Ohio Governor Wants To Better Protect Ohio Waters

TOLEDO, OH — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine wants to better protect the state's bodies of water and water system infrastructure. To do that, he has proposed the creation of the H2Ohio Fund, which would protect Ohio's water quality for a decade, and could amount to $900 million.

“Water is vital to everyone, yet communities throughout the state face real and different challenges, such as algae blooms, failing septic tanks, nutrient pollution, and threats of lead contamination,” DeWine said. “We cannot continue to lurch from water crisis to water crisis. I am proposing an H2Ohio initiative that would allow us to invest in targeted, long-term solutions to ensure safe and clean water across the state of Ohio.”

The H2Ohio initiative was part of DeWine's 2020-2021 proposed budget. He outlined the program during an event in Toledo, a city all too familiar with water quality issues.

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In 2014, an algae bloom contaminated the tap water of 400,000 people in Toledo and part of southern Michigan. Toxins got into the water system and wreaked havoc on the region. Since then, officials have dedicated much state and federal spending to reducing the instances of algal blooms.

The H2Ohio Fund is the latest iteration of state-driven programs geared toward ending toxic algae blooms.

DeWine said the fund would last for approximately 10 years and be worth $900 million. The fund would be used only for purposes related to protection and upkeep of Ohio water.

“Rather than borrowing to pay to fix our water problems, we want to create a special account, where we can deposit funds to be used specifically for water quality across Ohio,” DeWine said. “We believe that this is a responsible approach to address a critically important issue.”

The H2Ohio Fund would protect Lake Erie, along with various Ohio rivers and waterways. DeWine's office said the monies from the fund could be used for:

• Restoration programs, which could, for instance, create additional wetlands in the state.
• Science, research and measurement, like collection of data and implementation of new technology.
• Land-based management programs, like minimization of nutrient runoff into waterways, more staffing for conservation districts, and aggressive action to address failing septic systems and water treatment plants throughout Ohio.

Toledo and Lorain-area Representative Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat, has also been lobbying for better protection of Lake Erie. She recently voted to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).